Central Carolina Community Foundation’s Connected Communities grant has assisted The B Strong Group in hosting monthly workshops named Project Empower, that address the lack of education, create more awareness in the areas of treatment, social challenges and other complications of sickle cell disease to create healthier communities.

“This Connected Communities grant has provided the opportunity for us to create a platform for local caregivers to get the education they need, specifically for sickle cell, that is not provided via any other vehicle right now,” said Brenda Green, founder and CEO of The B Strong Group.

The B Strong Group has held three Project Empower workshops so far and attendance has increased each session. Every class focuses on a new topic that The B Strong Group identified as important for sickle cell disease caregivers.

“We have received very positive feedback,” said Green. “Our caregivers said that the topics that were presented were very useful to them.”

The first workshop took place virtually in June, and Prisma Health employees from the Children’s Hospitals sickle cell clinic and adult sickle cell clinic spoke. The speakers provided information on services available at each clinic under Prisma Health, and discussed how to become a strong advocate for sickle cell patients — or as The B Strong Group calls them: Warriors.

The second workshop focused on sickle cell’s history. A representative from DHEC spoke to inform caregivers on the local services available. Green said by providing these resources, caregivers for sickle cell warriors from Richland County and surrounding areas can be more engaged and open a dialogue with those who directly care or provide services for warriors.

Most recently, a workshop was conducted in person at Prisma Health. Attendees had an opportunity to hear from Dr. Coretta Jenerette with UofSC School of Nursing. Dr. Jenerette spoke about her sickle cell disease research and how to navigate conversations as a caregiver for someone with the disease. Dr. Jenerette also emphasized the bias that may be involved to understand how to effectively communicate with those who provide care.

Dr. Jenerette also participated in a role play scenario with the workshop attendees. Participants would respond to different scenarios as if Dr. Jenerette were their sickle cell patient’s physician. Green said that this practice was very beneficial for all the participants so they could practice and gain feedback from Dr. Jenerette.

Project Empower has four more workshops planned over the next four months, with sessions taking place virtually and in person. The workshops are available to anyone who cares or loves someone who has sickle cell disease.

The B Strong Group was created for those with sickle cell disease and their caregivers and serves people in Richland County and surrounding areas who are impacted by sickle cell disease regardless of age, ethnicity and financial status. The nonprofit advocates and empowers sickle cell warriors through education, advocacy, and engagement.

Green said that the Connected Communities grant is key and significant to Project Empower’s success.

“The grant is so crucial, and I am so glad that we were awarded it. We have the opportunity to provide for so many caregivers and the word is spreading,” said Green.

Central Carolina Community Foundation works to make the Midlands more connected, compassionate and engaged through its Connected Communities grants. This grant funds innovative ideas from nonprofits that will further knit the community together and improve the community’s quality of life. The Foundation aims to inspire organizations to engage and invest in our community and build on the community’s existing assets.

To learn more about the Connected Communities grants visit here.